Healthy lifestyles for adults with intellectual disability: Knowledge, barriers, and facilitators

Abstract

Findings suggest that people with ID demonstrate some understanding of what constitutes being healthy and are aware of healthy lifestyles, the consequences of unhealthy behaviours, and of the need for moderation.

Effects of declared levels of physical activity on quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities

“…Understaffing, absent staff, and staff shift changing all contribute to the high rate of physical inactivity (Caton et al, 2012). Additionally, Caton and colleagues (2012) assert that transportation issues contribute to the high rate of physical inactivity because many individuals with ID rely on others to transport them to locations designated for physical activity.…”

“…As with all people, individuals with intellectual disabilities who have the ability to make life choices may not feel motivated to exercise. Lack of motivation by individuals is a significant predictor of physical inactivity; some research has shown that individuals with ID who did not regularly exercise stated that they felt ''bored'' exercising or identified themselves as ''too lazy'' to engage in physical activity (Caton et al, 2012).…”

Definitions, measurement and prevalence of sedentary behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities — A systematic review

“…Carers have been identified by adults with intellectual disabilities as important facilitators of a healthy lifestyle. 3 Adults with intellectual disabilities are a particularly vulnerable and, from a health perspective, neglected group in society, experiencing considerable health inequalities relative to the general population. 4 Studies have shown that adults with intellectual disabilities have low levels of physical activity 5 and poor nutritional habits, 6 leading to a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes.…”

Use of behaviour change techniques in lifestyle change interventions for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

“…They experience intrinsic barriers to a healthy lifestyle and lifestyle change as multimorbidity (Herman & Evenhuis, 2014) and barriers related to cognitive, behavioural and mobility impairments. In addition, persons with ID face many external barriers such as financial barriers, physical limitations and policy guidelines that limit health choices (Caton et al, 2012; Kuijken, Naaldenberg, Nijhuis-Van der Sande, & Van Schrojenstein-Lantman de Valk, 2016;Messent, Cooke & Long, 1999). As a contrast, the general population mostly experiences barriers as intrinsic to the individual, according to theoretical models of the determinants of physical activity (Robertson, 2000).…”